Fat in horses refers to the adipose tissue that serves as an energy reserve and plays a role in metabolism and thermoregulation. In equines, fat distribution can influence health, performance, and overall well-being. The body condition score (BCS) is commonly used to assess fat levels and determine whether a horse is underweight, at an ideal weight, or overweight. Excessive fat accumulation can lead to conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and insulin resistance, while insufficient fat reserves may affect a horse's energy levels and ability to maintain body temperature. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiological aspects, health implications, and management strategies related to fat in horses.
Tomal A, Szłapka-Kosarzewska J, Mironiuk M, Michalak I, Marycz K.Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a critical endocrine condition in horses, characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, posing a significant threat to their health. This study investigates the efficacy of supplementing EMS-affected horses with Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions using biosorption process in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reducing inflammation, and mitigating obesity-related fat accumulation. Our results demonstrate that Arthrospira supplementation reduces baseline insulin and glucose levels,...
Pratt-Phillips S.Obesity is an important health concern in horses, along with humans and companion animals. Adipose tissue is an inflammatory organ that alters the insulin-signaling cascade, ultimately causing insulin dysregulation and impaired glucose metabolism. These disruptions can increase the risk of metabolic disease and laminitis in horses and may also impact energy metabolism during exercise. A single bout of exercise, along with chronic exercise conditioning, increases insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal via both contraction- and insulin-mediated glucose uptake pathways. Regular exercise also in...
Aitken MR, Floriano DA, Hopster K.The study's objective was to evaluate the feasibility and dispersion of an open approach to the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in eight adult equine cadavers. A ventral midline incision was made, starting 2 cm cranial to the umbilicus and extending 25 cm cranially. In total, 0.5 mL/kg of new methylene blue (NMB) was injected per horse, divided into six injections. Using an 18 g, 8 cm Tuohy needle, three injections were made per side. The needle was guided blindly into the TAP using palpation. A 60 mL syringe was attached directly to the needle, depositing ~0.08 mL/kg at each site. The...
de-Lima TC, de-Sobral GG, de-França Queiroz AES, Chinelate GCB, Porto TS, Oliveira JTC, Carneiro GF.Foals require maternal colostrum in the first hours of life to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTIP). Innovative storage methods such as lyophilization may enable conservation of colostrum immunoglobulins by a differentiated process of dehydration. The current study aimed to compare the quality of equine colostrum after freezing and after the lyophilization process. Thirty-one pregnant Quarter Horse mares were used. The IgG concentration of frozen and lyophilized colostrum was determined by simple radial immunodiffusion (SRID) and Brix refractometry. The physical-chemical comp...
Sharapatov T, Assanbayev T, Shauyenov S, Aubakirov K, Iskhan K.The purpose of the study was to determine the milk productivity and chemical composition of the milk of mares of the Kazakh breed of the jabe type (KJ) and the Novoaltay-Kazakh crossbreeds of the 1st generation (NA x KJ) in the conditions of herd keeping. To determine the milk productivity of mares, 2 experimental groups were formed with a total of 30 mares, 15 individuals were selected in each group. The studied animals were formed according to the principle of pairs of analogues in the context of full-age groups from 5 to 11 years. Kazakh horses of the jabe type in the group of experimental ...
Ishimaru M, Okano A, Matsui A, Murase H, Korosue K, Akiyama K, Taya K.The effects of an extended photoperiod (EP) on body composition of Thoroughbreds colts and fillies from December at one year old to April at two years old were investigated. Seventy-three Thoroughbreds reared and trained in Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido were used. Forty-one horses were under the EP conditions from December 20 to April 15, and the 32 horses were under natural light alone as the control group. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat free mass (FFM) and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. The presen...
Richards T, Burron S, McCorkell TC, Trevizan L, Patterson K, Minikhiem D, Ma DWL, Pearson W, Shoveller AK.Camelina oil is derived from a low-input, high-yield crop and, in comparison to many other dietary fat sources currently used in equine diets, provides a greater amount of α-linolenic acid [ALA; (n-3)], than linoleic acid [LA; (n-6)]. However, no research exists assessing the effects of feeding camelina oil to horses in contrast to other commonly used oils. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of supplementing camelina oil to that of flaxseed and canola oil supplementation, on outcomes related to skin and coat health in horses. Thirty adult horses [23 mares, 7 geldings; 14.9 ...
Lv K, Yang Y, Li Q, Chen R, Deng L, Zhang Y, Jiang N.Horse's milk, with a high nutritional value and few allergenic proteins, could substitute cow's milk for infant consumption. Herein, a label-free, proteomic method was used to identify and compare milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and whey proteins from three different horse breeds: Selle Français (SF), Welsh pony (WP), and Tieling Draft Horse (TDH). In MFGMs, 16 (SF), 66 (WP), and 45 (TDH) unique proteins were identified, which are involved in the endocytosis, ribosome, and staphylococcus aureus infection pathways, respectively. In whey, 31 (SF), 75 (WP), and 23 (TDH) unique proteins were ide...
Istanbullugil FR, Risvanli A, Salikov R, Bayraktar M, Kadiraliyeva N, Zhunushova A, Yilmaz O, Yuksel BF, Turanli M, Uz M, Asinbekovic MI.Immune compatibility between mare and foal is one of the important topics of reproductive immunology. At this point, although there are many studies on antibodies, there are not many publications on the relationship between the cytokine levels of mare, foal and milk and the effects of milk composition on this relationship. Here we investigate the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and milk composition in Kyrgyz mares and foals. Samples were taken soon after the foal was born and on days 5, 10 and 20 after birth. Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokine levels ...
Nocera I, Bonelli F, Turini L, Madrigali A, Aliboni B, Sgorbini M.The body condition score (BCS) represents a practical but subjective method for assessing body fat reserves. Real time ultrasonography (RTU) has been proposed as an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and predict body fat reserves in cows, horses and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe RTU measures of SF thickness during periparturient period in jennies. The present prospective cohort study evaluated six dairy jennies. SF RTU were performed at 15 and 7 days before the presumptive delivery, and 2, 15 and 30 days after delivery. A portable ult...
Bittante G, Amalfitano N, Bergamaschi M, Patel N, Haddi ML, Benabid H, Pazzola M, Vacca GM, Tagliapietra F, Schiavon S.Bovines produce about 83% of the milk and dairy products consumed by humans worldwide, the rest represented by bubaline, caprine, ovine, camelid, and equine species, which are particularly important in areas of extensive pastoralism. Although milk is increasingly used for cheese production, the cheese-making efficiency of milk from the different species is not well known. This study compares the cheese-making ability of milk sampled from lactating females of the 6 dairy species in terms of milk composition, coagulation properties (using lactodynamography), curd-firming modeling, nutrients reco...
Blikslager AT.Management factors associated with colic, particularly related to stall confinement and nutrition, have been linked to alterations in gastrointestinal mucosal transport, motility, and microbiome, which in turn creates conditions that induce colic. In particular, meal feeding creates large changes in water movement in and out of the colon and alters the microbiome. These conditions may in turn result in colic conditions such as large colon impaction or large colon volvulus. In addition, a range of management and nutritional factors have been found to place horses at risk of select colic conditi...
Cais-Sokolińska D, Danków R, Bierzuńska P, Kaczyński ŁK, Chudy S, Teichert J, Dobek A, Skotarczak E, Pikul J.Mare milk is a valued and sought-after raw material for the production of innovative dairy products. The high demand, low supply, high price, and lack of accurate characterization of the milk of a given horse breed may provoke its deliberate fraudulent dilution. The aim of this work was to analyze the freezing point against a background of various selected technological parameters of Polish Coldblood mare milk. Research was carried out on multiparous Polish Coldblood mares from 5 to 8 yr of age with live weights between 618 and 851 kg. Their milk was tested on d 1, 3, and 7 postpartum and once...
Slobodchikova MN, Vasilyeva VT, Ivanov RV, Lebedeva UM.In the diet of the population of Yakutia, the meat of 6-month-old and local herd horses is especially valued for its high nutritive value, excellent taste and dietary properties. In addition to meat, a number of other slaughter products, such as by-products, intestinal raw materials, internal fat, blood, etc., can be received during primary processing. Many of them are not fully used. The relevance of this work is to study the possibilities of waste-free use of the Yakut horse products. Biochemical investigation of the composition of the secondary products of slaughter (fat, blood, by-products...
Greco-Otto PR, Léguillette R.Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) instantly assesses body composition to monitor the effects of diet, competition, and illness, though it requires a body proportion factor (Kb). This study aimed to validate a draft horse-specific Kb. The calculated Kb was 1.42, resulting in significantly lower body composition values, with the exception of fat mass. Une spectroscopie de bio-impédance bioélectrique (SBB) évalue instantanément la composition corporelle pour surveiller les effets de la diète, de la compétition et de la maladie, même si elle exige un facteur de proportion corporel...
Schaafstra FJWC, van Doorn DA, Schonewille JT, Roelfsema E, Westermann CM, Dansen O, Jacobs M, Lee JY, Spronck EA, Blok MC, Hendriks WH.Exercise and physical training are known to affect gastrointestinal function and digestibility in horses and can lead to inaccurate estimates of nutrient and energy digestibility when markers are used. The effect of exercise on apparent nutrient digestibility and faecal recoveries of ADL and TiO2 was studied in six Welsh pony geldings subjected to either a low- (LI) or high-intensity (HI) exercise regime according to a cross-over design. Ponies performing LI exercise were walked once per day for 45 min in a horse walker (5 km/h) for 47 consecutive days. Ponies submitted to HI exercise were gra...
Liu XX, Pan JF, Zhao QJ, He XH, Pu YB, Han JL, Ma YH, Jiang L.The X chromosome shows a special interaction between demographic factors and genetic variation, and the analysis of X-linked genomic variation can therefore provide insights into the unique effects of demography and selection on the horse genome that cannot be readily detected by autosomal markers. Debao (DB) ponies have experienced intense selective pressure for the development of their small stature (<106 cm at adult height). To identify selective sweeps on the X chromosome of the DB pony, we performed a genome-wide scan of three Chinese horse breeds using an Equine SNP70 BeadChip. Using Yi...
Diel de Amorim M, Nielsen K, Cruz RK, Card C.Intrauterine plant oil infusion, including fractionated coconut oil, has been previously found to be a safe, inexpensive, and reversible method of prolonging the luteal phase in mares when administered on Day 10 of the estrous cycle. Our objective was to understand the uteroovarian response to the administration of fractionated coconut oil infusion in the uterus of diestrous mares. We hypothesized that intrauterine coconut oil administration on Day 10 would prolong luteal life span in a dose-dependent fashion and would result in higher serum progesterone levels than untreated mares at the expe...
Raubenheimer D, Machovsky-Capuska GE, Gosby AK, Simpson S.We apply nutritional geometry, a framework for modelling the interactive effects of nutrients on animals, to help understand the role of modern environments in the obesity pandemic. Evidence suggests that humans regulate the intake of protein energy (PE) more strongly than non-protein energy (nPE), and consequently will over- and under-ingest nPE on diets with low or high PE, respectively. This pattern of macronutrient regulation has led to the protein leverage hypothesis, which proposes that the rise in obesity has been caused partly by a shift towards diets with reduced PE:nPE ratios relativ...
Morgan RA, McGowan TW, McGowan CM.To determine the prevalence of hyperinsulinaemia in a population of ponies in Queensland, Australia, and identify associated factors. Methods: Breeders or traders of ponies within a 100 km radius of Gatton, Queensland, were recruited for study using an internet database. Clinical and management details were obtained, including body condition score, fat deposition and history or evidence of laminitis. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and triglyceride concentrations and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and leptin concentrations following short-term removal from pasture and...
Switonski M, Mankowska M, Salamon S.The melanocortin receptor gene family consists of five single-exon members, which are located on autosomes. Three genes (MC2R, MC4R and MC5R) are syntenic in the human, mouse, cattle and dog genomes, while in the pig, the syntenic group comprises MC1R, MC2R and MC5R. Two genes (MC1R and MC4R) have been extensively studied due to their function in melanogenesis (MC1R) and energy control (MC4R). Conservative organisation of these genes in five mammalian species (human, mouse, cattle, pig and dog), in terms of the encoded amino acid sequence, is higher in the case of MC4R compared to MC1R. Polymo...
Lorenzo JM, Pateiro M.The effect of fat content on physico-chemical properties and lipid and protein stability of foal liver pâté was studied. For this purpose, two batches (10 units per batch) of foal liver pâté with different pork back fat content [30% (30F) and 40% (40F)] were manufactured. 30F foal liver pâté was darker (lower L* value, P>0.05), redder (higher a*, P<0.001) and harder (higher hardness value; P<0.001) compared to those with 40F. Fat level was closely related to the calorific value of foal liver pâté, being more calorific in those with higher fat contents (352 kcal/100 g; P<0.001). Regardi...
Centoducati P, Maggiolino A, De Palo P, Tateo A.The aim of this work was to study, using Wood's model, the lactation curve in Italian Heavy Draft horse (IHDH) mares, both for milk yield and composition. Interest in mare's milk has grown for use in human nutrition, as a substitute for human and cow milk for premature newborns and allergic children. For this study, 7 IHDH mares were used. Milk yield was evaluated from d 15 to 180 postpartum (every 15 d). Wood's lactation model was used to describe milk yield, fat, protein, and lactose lactation curves in the first 180 d in milk (DIM), with a prediction to 210 DIM. Mean values recorded across ...
Geburek F, Stadler P.Conventional treatments of equine tendon injuries lead to an unsatisfactory healing process that usually results in a relatively high recurrence rate. Therefore, in recent years so-called regenerative therapeutics were studied scientifically in vitro and in laboratory animals. These include substances that ideally lead to the formation of replacement tissue, which in contrast to the low quality scar, has similar functional properties as the original intact tendon. Currently, a plethora of different substrates is either commercially available or can be produced in practice with the help of kits...
Medhammar E, Wijesinha-Bettoni R, Stadlmayr B, Nilsson E, Charrondiere UR, Burlingame B.A comprehensive review is presented of the nutrient composition for buffalo, mare, and dromedary camel milks at the level of breed, and species-level data for yak, mithun, musk ox, donkey, Bactrian camel, llama, alpaca, reindeer and moose milks. Average values of nutrients were calculated and compared. Interspecies values (g 100 g⁻¹) were 0.7-16.1 for total fat, 1.6-10.5 for protein, 2.6-6.6 for lactose, and 67.9-90.8 for water. Reindeer and moose milks had the highest fat and protein concentrations and the lowest lactose contents. Mare and donkey milks had the lowest protein and fat conten...
Finno CJ, McKenzie E, Valberg SJ, Pagan J.Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) occurs in fit, nervous Thoroughbreds fed high nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) diets. Clinical signs are diminished by feeding low NSC, high fat diets; however, the mechanism is unclear. Objective: To determine if the glucose, insulin and cortisol response to isocaloric diets varying in fat and NSC availability differ in fit vs. unfit Thoroughbreds with RER. Methods: Four fit (10 weeks treadmill training) RER Thoroughbred mares were exercised and fed 3 isocaloric (121 MJ/day) diets in a 5 day/diet block design. Two high NSC concentrates, sweet feed (SF...
Wilsher S, Allen WR.The maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signal in the mare has not been determined, although oestrogens have been proposed as a potential candidate. Objective: To determine effects of intrauterine administration of oestrogen and various oils on cyclic luteolysis in the mare. Objective: Intrauterine oestradiol or fatty acids may suppress luteolysis in the cycling mare when administered during late dioestrus. Methods: A single 1 ml dose of slow-release oestradiol (10 mg/ml) in fractionated coconut oil was infused into the uterine lumen of cycling mares on Days 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 post ovulati...
Suagee JK, Burk AO, Quinn RW, Hartsock TG, Douglass LW.Low-grade inflammation precedes the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans, but whether the same is true in the horse is not known. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of weight gain and diet on the inflammatory state of horses as determined by serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF), an inflammatory cytokine. Fifteen mature Thoroughbred geldings with an initial body weight (BW) of 519±12 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 4.3±0.1 were fed a diet of hay plus a concentrate that was either high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (i....
Hothersall B, Nicol C.This article reviews the effects of diet on equine feeding behavior and feeding patterns, before considering the evidence that diet affects reactivity in horses. A growing body of work suggests that fat- and fiber-based diets may result in calmer patterns of behavior, and possible mechanisms that may underpin these effects are discussed. In contrast, there is little evidence that herbal- or tryptophan-containing supplements influence equine behavior in any measurable way. The role of diet in the development of abnormal oral behaviors, particularly the oral stereotypy crib-biting, is also revie...
Switonski M, Mankowska M, Salamon S.The melanocortin receptor gene family consists of five single-exon members, which are located on autosomes. Three genes (MC2R, MC4R and MC5R) are syntenic in the human, mouse, cattle and dog genomes, while in the pig, the syntenic group comprises MC1R, MC2R and MC5R. Two genes (MC1R and MC4R) have been extensively studied due to their function in melanogenesis (MC1R) and energy control (MC4R). Conservative organisation of these genes in five mammalian species (human, mouse, cattle, pig and dog), in terms of the encoded amino acid sequence, is higher in the case of MC4R compared to MC1R. Polymo...
Medhammar E, Wijesinha-Bettoni R, Stadlmayr B, Nilsson E, Charrondiere UR, Burlingame B.A comprehensive review is presented of the nutrient composition for buffalo, mare, and dromedary camel milks at the level of breed, and species-level data for yak, mithun, musk ox, donkey, Bactrian camel, llama, alpaca, reindeer and moose milks. Average values of nutrients were calculated and compared. Interspecies values (g 100 g⁻¹) were 0.7-16.1 for total fat, 1.6-10.5 for protein, 2.6-6.6 for lactose, and 67.9-90.8 for water. Reindeer and moose milks had the highest fat and protein concentrations and the lowest lactose contents. Mare and donkey milks had the lowest protein and fat conten...
Morgan RA, McGowan TW, McGowan CM.To determine the prevalence of hyperinsulinaemia in a population of ponies in Queensland, Australia, and identify associated factors. Methods: Breeders or traders of ponies within a 100 km radius of Gatton, Queensland, were recruited for study using an internet database. Clinical and management details were obtained, including body condition score, fat deposition and history or evidence of laminitis. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and triglyceride concentrations and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and leptin concentrations following short-term removal from pasture and...
Bittante G, Amalfitano N, Bergamaschi M, Patel N, Haddi ML, Benabid H, Pazzola M, Vacca GM, Tagliapietra F, Schiavon S.Bovines produce about 83% of the milk and dairy products consumed by humans worldwide, the rest represented by bubaline, caprine, ovine, camelid, and equine species, which are particularly important in areas of extensive pastoralism. Although milk is increasingly used for cheese production, the cheese-making efficiency of milk from the different species is not well known. This study compares the cheese-making ability of milk sampled from lactating females of the 6 dairy species in terms of milk composition, coagulation properties (using lactodynamography), curd-firming modeling, nutrients reco...
The Journal of nutritionOctober 1, 1983
Volume 113, Issue 10 2096-2106 doi: 10.1093/jn/113.10.2096
Oftedal OT, Hintz HF, Schryver HF.Milk samples averaging 500 ml were collected weekly from 10 to 54 days postpartum from five lactating mares. Samples were obtained by hand milking after oxytocin administration and while the foal nursed. Dry matter, protein and gross energy were higher in samples obtained at 10 and 17 days postpartum than those obtained during the midlactation period of 24-54 days. Midlactation samples averaged 10.5% dry matter, 1.29% fat, 1.93% protein, 6.91% sugar and 50.6 kcal/100 g. Protein comprised 22% of milk energy. Milk intake was estimated in five foals from deuterium oxide (D2O) turnover to be 16, 1...
Centoducati P, Maggiolino A, De Palo P, Tateo A.The aim of this work was to study, using Wood's model, the lactation curve in Italian Heavy Draft horse (IHDH) mares, both for milk yield and composition. Interest in mare's milk has grown for use in human nutrition, as a substitute for human and cow milk for premature newborns and allergic children. For this study, 7 IHDH mares were used. Milk yield was evaluated from d 15 to 180 postpartum (every 15 d). Wood's lactation model was used to describe milk yield, fat, protein, and lactose lactation curves in the first 180 d in milk (DIM), with a prediction to 210 DIM. Mean values recorded across ...
Hothersall B, Nicol C.This article reviews the effects of diet on equine feeding behavior and feeding patterns, before considering the evidence that diet affects reactivity in horses. A growing body of work suggests that fat- and fiber-based diets may result in calmer patterns of behavior, and possible mechanisms that may underpin these effects are discussed. In contrast, there is little evidence that herbal- or tryptophan-containing supplements influence equine behavior in any measurable way. The role of diet in the development of abnormal oral behaviors, particularly the oral stereotypy crib-biting, is also revie...
Wilsher S, Allen WR.The maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signal in the mare has not been determined, although oestrogens have been proposed as a potential candidate. Objective: To determine effects of intrauterine administration of oestrogen and various oils on cyclic luteolysis in the mare. Objective: Intrauterine oestradiol or fatty acids may suppress luteolysis in the cycling mare when administered during late dioestrus. Methods: A single 1 ml dose of slow-release oestradiol (10 mg/ml) in fractionated coconut oil was infused into the uterine lumen of cycling mares on Days 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 post ovulati...
Blikslager AT.Management factors associated with colic, particularly related to stall confinement and nutrition, have been linked to alterations in gastrointestinal mucosal transport, motility, and microbiome, which in turn creates conditions that induce colic. In particular, meal feeding creates large changes in water movement in and out of the colon and alters the microbiome. These conditions may in turn result in colic conditions such as large colon impaction or large colon volvulus. In addition, a range of management and nutritional factors have been found to place horses at risk of select colic conditi...
Lorenzo JM, Pateiro M.The effect of fat content on physico-chemical properties and lipid and protein stability of foal liver pâté was studied. For this purpose, two batches (10 units per batch) of foal liver pâté with different pork back fat content [30% (30F) and 40% (40F)] were manufactured. 30F foal liver pâté was darker (lower L* value, P>0.05), redder (higher a*, P<0.001) and harder (higher hardness value; P<0.001) compared to those with 40F. Fat level was closely related to the calorific value of foal liver pâté, being more calorific in those with higher fat contents (352 kcal/100 g; P<0.001). Regardi...
Santos AS, Silvestre AM.Milk yield and composition data from 7 nursing Lusitano mares (450 to 580 kg of body weight and 2 to 9 parities) were used in this study (5 measurements per mare for milk yield and 8 measurements for composition). Wood's lactation model was used to describe milk fat, protein, and lactose lactation curves. Mean values for the concentration of major milk components across the lactation period (180 d) were 5.9 g/kg of fat, 18.4 g/kg of protein, and 60.8 g/kg of lactose. Milk fat and protein (g/kg) decreased and lactose (g/kg) increased during the 180 d of lactation. Curves for milk protein and la...
Cais-Sokolińska D, Danków R, Bierzuńska P, Kaczyński ŁK, Chudy S, Teichert J, Dobek A, Skotarczak E, Pikul J.Mare milk is a valued and sought-after raw material for the production of innovative dairy products. The high demand, low supply, high price, and lack of accurate characterization of the milk of a given horse breed may provoke its deliberate fraudulent dilution. The aim of this work was to analyze the freezing point against a background of various selected technological parameters of Polish Coldblood mare milk. Research was carried out on multiparous Polish Coldblood mares from 5 to 8 yr of age with live weights between 618 and 851 kg. Their milk was tested on d 1, 3, and 7 postpartum and once...
Caroprese M, Albenzio M, Marino R, Muscio A, Zezza T, Sevi A.A 25-d trial was performed to assess the effects of machine and hand milking on behavior, and milk yield and composition of mares; the trial involved 8 Murgese mares. Milk yield was higher (7.69 vs. 4.91 kg) and milking time was shorter (1.80 vs. 5.40 min) in machine-milked than in hand-milked mares. Machine milking of mares also resulted in a greater fat content of milk (1.63%) than did hand milking (1.06%). Milking system did not affect casein content, nitrogen fractions, or somatic cell counts. No differences in behavioral activities and in response to humans emerged. Results indicate that ...
Oftedal OT, Jenness R.Milk samples of four species of wild equids (onager, Equus hemionus onager; mountain zebra, E. zebra hartmannae; plains zebra, E. burchelli; Przewalski horse, E. caballus przewalskii) and two domesticated equids (ass, E. asinus; pony, E. caballus) were analysed. At mid to late lactation the milks of all species were very similar, containing on average 10-12% total solids, 1-2% fat, 1.6-1.8% true protein, 6-7% 'lactose', 0.3-0.5% ash, 0.08-0.12% calcium, 0.04-0.07% phosphorus and a calculated energy content of 2.0-2.4 kJ/g. Milk samples collected in the first 2 weeks after birth showed elevated...
Salimei E, Varisco G, Rosi F.Five Haflinger mares were hand-milked at 0 h (pre-suckle) and 6 h (postsuckle), 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after parturition. Total solids, protein, fat, lactose, calculated gross energy content, leptin and non-protein nitrogen components (urea, alpha-amino nitrogen, creatinine and allantoin) were determined. The levels of the major constituents differed significantly in pre-suckle colostrum from subsequent samples. Leptin levels were the highest in whole (9 ng x mL(-1) of immunoreactive human equivalent HE +/- 0.48 ng x mL(-1), SEM) and skimmed (7.8 ng HE x mL(-1) +/- 0.52 ng x mL(-1), SEM) pre-...
The Journal of nutritionDecember 1, 1994
Volume 124, Issue 12 Suppl 2745S-2753S doi: 10.1093/jn/124.suppl_12.2745S
Kronfeld DS, Ferrante PL, Grandjean D.Four mathematical approaches are proposed to determine optimal ranges of nutrients for specified purposes. For exercise, the diet must provide optimal mixtures of fuels, also optimal amounts of nutrients conducive to a sound structure, a desired power/weight ratio, a water-electrolyte system that resists dehydration and buffers hydrogen ions, a tolerance to the cumulative stress of repetitive competition and tractable attitude. The nutritional strategy of carbohydrate loading risks a variety of abnormalities in dogs and horses. An alternative strategy of fat adaptation (the combination of fat ...
Schumacher HR.The normal synovial membrane as seen by electron microscopy is bordered by one to three layers of lining cells that include some with phagocytic function, others rich in endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis and additional cells with mixed properties. Lining cells with prominent Golgi apparatus probably produce the synovial hyaluronic acid. The synovial matrix contains collagen and mucopolysaccharide. It offers little barrier to diffusion of most materials. Superficial capillaries and venules are fenestrated and presumably allow rapid exchange of fluid and electrolytes. Deeper venules ha...
Suagee JK, Burk AO, Quinn RW, Hartsock TG, Douglass LW.Low-grade inflammation precedes the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans, but whether the same is true in the horse is not known. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of weight gain and diet on the inflammatory state of horses as determined by serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF), an inflammatory cytokine. Fifteen mature Thoroughbred geldings with an initial body weight (BW) of 519±12 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 4.3±0.1 were fed a diet of hay plus a concentrate that was either high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (i....
The Journal of nutritionDecember 1, 1994
Volume 124, Issue 12 Suppl 2723S-2729S doi: 10.1093/jn/124.suppl_12.2723S
Hintz HF.Some aspects of energy, protein and vitamin E nutrition of the performance horse are discussed. The amount, dietary source and time of ingestion of energy before exercise can influence performance. In 1989 the National Research Council (NRC) increased their estimates of energy required by racehorses. Recent studies indicate that the increase was reasonable. Many factors, however, can influence energy requirements. Therefore, the best measure would be body weight and composition of the horse. A proper balance of soluble carbohydrate, fiber, fat and protein is essential. Some guidelines are pres...
Hintz HF.Recent studies on the digestive physiology of the horse are reviewed. It was suggested that the small intestine is the primary site of digestion and absorption of protein, soluble carbohydrates, most minerals, fats, fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. The large intestine is the primary site of fibre digestion and net water absorption. Significant amounts of phosphorus are also absorbed from the large intestine. Many factors such as rate of passage, processing of feeds, level of intake, work and maturity of plant may influence digestive ability.
Weaver BM, Staddon GE, Pearson MR.The blood content of tissue in eight anaesthetized sheep and three anaesthetized horses was measured using chromium labelled autologous red blood cells. 2. Approximately half the total blood volume was found to be distributed within the body tissues and, with the exception of the spleen and fat, the distribution was similar in these two species.
Geor RJ, Hinchcliff KW, Sams RA.To examine the role of beta-adrenergic mechanisms in the regulation of endogenous glucose (Glu) production [rate of appearance (R(a))] and utilization [rate of disappearance (R(d))] and carbohydrate (CHO) metabolism, six horses completed consecutive 30-min bouts of exercise at approximately 30% (Lo) and approximately 60% (Hi) of estimated maximum O(2) uptake with (P) and without (C) prior administration of the beta-blocker propranolol (0.22 mg/kg iv). All horses completed exercise in C; exercise duration in P was 49.9 +/- 1.2 (SE) min. Plasma Glu was unchanged in C during Lo but increased prog...
Gibbs PG, Potter GD, Blake RW, McMullan WC.Milk production was measured in fourteen Quarter Horse mares at seven stages of a 150-d lactation period. Mares were divided into two groups of seven and fed diets containing either soybean meal or soybean meal and urea as nitrogen supplements. Rations were isocaloric, contained approximately 12.5% crude protein and were fortified with vitamins and minerals. Daily milk yield was estimated by the weigh-suckle-weigh method and milk composition was determined from samples taken by hand milking. Average daily milk yield ranged from 11.8 kg in early lactation to 9.8 kg in late lactation. Difference...
Jansen WL, van der Kuilen J, Geelen SN, Beynen AC.The hypothesis tested was that the intake of extra fat at the expense of an isoenergetic amount of nonstructural carbohydrates reduces fibre utilisation in horses. In a crossover trial with feeding periods of 42 days each, 6 mature trotting horses (age 4-12 years, bodyweight 340-476 kg) were given either a control or test diet. The test concentrate was formulated to contain 37% of net energy in the form of soybean oil. The control concentrate contained an isoenergetic amount of corn starch plus glucose. The concentrates were fed in combination with the same amount of hay so that the control an...
Doreau M, Boulot S, Barlet JP, Patureau-Mirand P.The yields and composition of milk from nursing mares were studied during the first two months of lactation in 11 mares of heavy breeds (784 kg). Daily yield increased from 21.7 to 24.6 kg between weeks 1 and 8 of lactation. Fat, protein, gross energy and Ca concentrations significantly decreased when lactose content increased during this period. Individual variations were higher for yield than for composition. Casein, whey protein and non-protein N (56, 34 and 10% of crude protein, respectively) and amino acid composition did not vary between weeks 1 and 8 of lactation.
Meyer H, Flothow C, Radicke S.Three horses (approximately 190 kg BW) fitted with a permanent fistula at the end of the jejunum were used. To a control diet (1/3 hay, 2/3 mixed feed) one of two fat types (coconut fat or soybean oil) were added at 2 levels resulting in fat intakes of 0.1 g (control diet) to 0.5 or 1 g/kg BW 0.5 d, respectively. Each experimental period consisted of 2 weeks adaptation, 2 days of breath tests (before and hourly after the morning meal) and 5 days sampling of chyme. Crude fat, crude protein, concentrations of organic acids (SCFA, lactic acid), pH, and the minerals calcium, magnesium and phosphor...
Schaafstra FJWC, van Doorn DA, Schonewille JT, Roelfsema E, Westermann CM, Dansen O, Jacobs M, Lee JY, Spronck EA, Blok MC, Hendriks WH.Exercise and physical training are known to affect gastrointestinal function and digestibility in horses and can lead to inaccurate estimates of nutrient and energy digestibility when markers are used. The effect of exercise on apparent nutrient digestibility and faecal recoveries of ADL and TiO2 was studied in six Welsh pony geldings subjected to either a low- (LI) or high-intensity (HI) exercise regime according to a cross-over design. Ponies performing LI exercise were walked once per day for 45 min in a horse walker (5 km/h) for 47 consecutive days. Ponies submitted to HI exercise were gra...
Kienzle E, Kaden C, Hoppe PP, Opitz B.The serum response of beta-carotene as an indicator of bioavailability was compared after feeding beta-carotene (0.8 mg/kg body weight) either from grass meal or a synthetic beadlet preparation (Lucarotin). Both were each given without or with added dietary vegetable fat (2-2.5% vs. 6.6% fat in dry matter) in a Latin square design with four horses. The nutritionally complete diet was supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (4 mg/kg body weight). Each treatment period (4 weeks, two serum samples) was followed by a washout period of 4 weeks with low intakes of beta-carotene (traces) and alpha-tocophe...
